SS California Archival Collection
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- California (1872) Anchor Line Ship's History (Brief)
- California (1907) Anchor Line Ship's History (Brief)
- California (1923) Anchor Line Ship's History (Brief)
- Passenger Lists
- Brochures
- Menus
- Passage Contracts, Tickets, and Receipts
- Programs
- Photographs
- Books
- Fleet List
- Sailing Schedules
- Time at Sea
- Excerpts from Information for Passengers
- Advertisements
- Second Cabin Steamships of the Anchor Line - 1910
California (1872) Anchor Line
Built by Alexander Stephen & Sons, Ltd., Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 3,410. Dimensions: 361' x 40'. Propulsion: Single-screw, 13 knots. Compound engines. Masts and Funnels: Three masts and one funnel. Launched: March 12, 1872. Maiden voyage: Glasgow-New York, June 15, 1872. Services: North Atlantic, Mediterranean, India. Fate: Broken up by Italian shipbreakers in 1905. Sister ship: Victoria.
California (1907) Anchor Line
Built by D. & W. Henderson & Co., Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 8,662. Dimensions: 470' x 58' (485' o.l.). Propulsion: Twin- screw, 17 knots. Triple expansion engines. Masts and Funnels: Two masts and two funnels. Fate: Torpedoed and sunk off the S.W. coast of Ireland, February 8, 1917, with the loss of 41 lives. Running mates: Caledonia, Cameronia and Columbia.
California (1923) Anchor Line
Colorized Postcard of the TSS "California" of the Anchor Line. The Original Owner, Patricia J. Moll, Inscribed "Our Ship Going Home August 20, 1930," on the Back of the Postally Unused Postcard. SS California Was a British 16,792 Grt Steam Turbine Ocean Liner Built in Glasgow in 1923 for Henderson Brothers (Anchor Line). The California Carried Passengers Between Glasgow and New York via Londonderry (Derry) and Boston. The Ship Was Destroyed in the North Atlantic by a Luftwaffe Air Attack in 1943. GGA Image ID # 149bfb02ff (Front); and, GGA Image ID # 149c0979f6 (Back)
Built by Alexander Stephen & Sons, Ltd., Glasgow, Scotland. Tonnage: 16,792. Dimensions: 553' x 70' (575' o.l.). Propulsion: Twin- screw, 16 knots. Steam turbines. Masts and Funnels: Two masts and one funnel. Launched: April 17, 1923. Maiden voyage: Glasgow-New York, August 26, 1923. Passengers: 265 first, 370 second, 1,150 third. WWII Service: Converted to British armed merchant cruiser in September 1939. Commissioned as troopship in 1942. Fate: Sunk by bombers in Bay of Biscay, July 11, 1943. Sister ship: Tuscania.
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1879-05-17 SS California Passenger List
- Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
- Class of Passengers: Saloon
- Date of Departure: 17 May 1879
- Route: London for New York
- Commander: Captain James Donaldson

1907-10-12 SS California Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Second
Date of Departure: 12 October 1907
Route: Glasgow to New York via Moville
Commander: Captain James Blaikie

1926-08-19 SS California Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Tourist Third Cabin
Date of Departure: 19 August 1926
Route: Naples to New York via Gibraltar
Commander: Captain Alex. Collie

1929-09-14 TSS California Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin
Date of Departure: 14 September 1929
Route: Glasgow to Boston and New York via Belfast
Commander: Captain Frank M. Henderson

1930-05-24 SS California Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin
Date of Departure: 24 May 1930
Route:New York and Boston to Glasgow via Belfast
Commander: Captain Robert Smart

1930-08-20 TSS California Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist Third Cabin
Date of Departure: 20 August 1930
Route: Glasgow to New York via Belfast and Moville
Commander: Captain Robert Smart

1931-02-23 SS California Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Cruise
Date of Departure: 23 February 1931
Route: New York to Bermuda and Return
Commander: Captain Robert W. Smart

1938-07-22 TSS California Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist
Date of Departure: 22 July 1938
Route: Glasgow to Boston and New York via Dublin
Commander: Captain Robert W. Smart

1938-08-19 TSS California Passenger List
Steamship Line: Anchor Steamship Line
Class of Passengers: Cabin and Tourist
Date of Departure: 19 August 1938
Route: Glasgow to Boston and New York via Dublin and Cobh
Commander: Captain Robert W. Smart
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Anchor Line Special Attractions For Excursion Season 1911
This brochure printed by the Anchor Line for the Tourist season in 1911 featured information for passengers, internal and external photographs of the ships and interior views and some information on destinations. Ships Covered: Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Columbia.

Anchor Line Information For Passengers - 1912
Exquisite brochure from 1912 offers an excellent glimpse of cabin class travel aboard steamships of that era. This booklet was produced after the Anchor Line's Newest steamship - The Cameronia in 1911. Other Ships Covered: Caledonia, California, and Columbia.

Anchor Line Second Cabin Accommodations - 1913
12-Page brochure on second cabin accommodations on transatlantic steamships of the Anchor Line offering weekly service between New York, Glasgow, and Londonderry. Published by Amsden-Kalbfleisch Co., Agents - Rochester, NY on 29 November 1913. Numerous photographs, Rates of Passage, and other information are included. Ships Covered: Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Columbia.

The New Anchor Line Fleet - 1926
Profusely illustrated brochure from 1926 documents the grand interiors of the Caledonia and Transylvania, the newest additions to the Anchor Line fleet with views of the California and Cameronia, transporting passengers between New York, Londonderry, and Glasgow. Ships Covered: Antonia, Ascania, Caledonia, California, Cameronia, Transylvania, and Tuscania.

Anchor Line Cabin Class - 1930s
For passengers who are accustomed to the amenities of good-living, the Anchor Line offers a truly delightful mode of travel, in the company of other passengers with the same substantial standards which characterize their own good taste. Ships Featured: Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Transylvania.
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1908-08-10 TSS California Breakfast Menu
Vintage Breakfast Bill of Fare Postcard from 10 August 1908 featured a limited selection including Halibut Steaks, Stewed Sausages and Mashed Potatoes, and Irish Stew. The attached postcard featured views of the Twin Screw Steamship (TSS) "California", and Dunfermline Abbey in Scotland.

1930-06-01 TSS California Breakfast Menu Card
Breakfast Bill of Fare Card for Sunday, 1 June 1930 featured traditional breakfast choices and Suate of Ox Kidney, Fried Smelts and Kippered Herring.

1931-02-24 TSS California Dinner Menu Card
Vintage Dinner Bill of Fare Card from 24 February 1931 on board the TSS California of the Anchor Line featured Boiled Salmon, Sauce Riche, Fried Fillet of Flounder, Sauce Tartare, and Soufflé Pudding, Chamois for dessert. Events for the Evening were included with the Menu.
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SS California Passage Receipt - 6 May 1912
Issued by the New York Office of the Anchor Line Steamships Company, this Second Cabin Ticket receipt was purchased by Jessie Clerihew for a voyage on the SS California on 18 May, 1912 from New York to Glasgow, Scotland.
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1931-02 Bermuda Suggestions - The National Tours
List of suggestions for passengers on board the SS California of the Anchor Line, on visiting Bermuda, a tour-stop coordinated by The National Tours, during February 1931.

1931-02-24 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Tuesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 24 February 1931. Open Air Swimming Pool was the Program of the Day. Other activities were scheduled from 10:15 am concert through 10:00 pm's last showing of a motion picture.

1931-02-25 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Wednesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 25 February 1931. Shipboard activities were scheduled from 7:45 pm Outdoor Motion Picture to 11:15 pm Rudy Valee Orchestra Concert.

1931-02-26 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Wednesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 26 February 1931. A Masquerade Ball with Grand March was the featured program.

1931-02-27 Gulf Stream Cruise Program of the Day
Tuesday's listing of events for passengers on the National Tours Gulf Stream Cruise on the SS California of the Anchor Line on 27 February 1931. "California Follies" was the Program of the Day.

1931-02-27 The California Follies - A Musical Revue - National Tours
An adorable musical review concert program provided delightful entertainment to the passengers on board the SS California of the Anchor Line, during a Bermuda Cruise on 27 February 1931.
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Twin-Screw Steamships "Caledonia" and "California" of the Anchor Line. Information for Passengers Brochure, 1912. GGA Image ID # 1155535dff
"A" Deck Corridor Lounge of the SS California. The New Fleet of Anchor Line, 1926 Brochure. GGA Image ID # 115b4426a3
General Lounge of the SS California. The New Fleet of Anchor Line, 1926 Brochure. GGA Image ID # 115b77971f
Top: Smoking Lounge on the TSS California. Bottom: Room with Bath on the TSS Caledonia. Anchor Line Cabin Class Brochure, 1930s. GGA Image ID # 115eb0c17f
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Classic Ships - Romance and Reality
In the first full exploration of the subject, Classic Ships surveys the important industrial, military, commercial, and leisure ships of the last one hundred and fifty years.

Distinguished Liners from The Shipbuilder - 1906-1914 Volume 1
An authentic replication to the smallest detail of the best of The Shipbuilder magazine, 1906-1914, including articles on the Titanic, Olympic, Lusitania, Mauretania, and more. This encyclopedic collection contains original text, photographs, and advertisements, as well as 22 fold-out blueprint plans, five color plates, a two-color Titanic cutaway folding advertisement and even two facsimile subscription forms.

The Great Liners: The Seafarers, Volume 4
A history of the world's famous luxury liners provides portraits of the ships. It examines such great disasters as the sinking of the Titanic. This edition explores the grand hotels that traversed the Atlantic between 1840 and 1930.

Great Passenger Ships of the World 1913-1923
The period 1913-1923 is dealt with in this second volume. Although it was only a decade, it was one of the most turbulent passenger ships in history. Competition to produce ever-larger vessels declined between leading North Atlantic shipping companies. For 20 years, the ships of the Imperator Class were the largest in the world.

Great Passenger Ships of the World 1924-1935
Volume 3 in the series covers the years 1924-1935 and includes the introduction of the well-known superliners Normandie and Queen Mary, both of which successfully competed for the prestigious Blue Riband award for the fastest transatlantic crossing.

Liverpool and the Mersey, Vol. 1: Gladstone Dock and the Great Liners
More than 190 rare archive photographs and maps, many never before published, recount the story of this most famous dock and the Great passenger Ships that were once a regular sight there.

This book recreates the ambiance of the ocean linereraby showing the actual objects used on board. Each piece of ocean-liner memorabilia is like an aladdin's lamp, releasing wondrous memories of that grand style of travel.

Ocean Steamers: A History of Ocean-Going Passenger Steamships 1820-1970
A history of the steam-powered passenger ship that details its story from the SS Savannah of 1819 to the SS Hamburg of 1969. It contains historical details of all civilian vessels built in the intervening years, with numerous illustrations and previously unpublished material.
Passenger Ships of the World - 1963
🎓 “A Global Voyage Through Steamship History for Historians, Genealogists, and Maritime Enthusiasts”
Eugene W. Smith’s Passenger Ships of the World – Past and Present (1963) is a masterfully curated encyclopedic reference that charts the rise, peak, and transformation of ocean-going passenger ships through nearly two centuries. Expanding upon his earlier Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific works, Smith offers a global maritime panorama that includes ships serving the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Oceania, as well as Canal routes and California-Hawaii shuttle lines.
🧭 This book is an essential resource for:
- Maritime historians seeking design evolution and fleet data
- Genealogists tracing voyages and shipping lines
- Educators and students studying transoceanic migration and tourism
- Ship modelers, naval architects, and enthusiasts interested in dimensions, tonnage, and speed

Pictorial Encyclopedia of Ocean Liners, 1860-1994
One of the most comprehensive pictorial references on ocean liners ever published, this superb chronicle by noted maritime historian William H. Miller, Jr., depicts and describes virtually every passenger ship of over 15,000 tons built between 1860 and the late 1900s.

Picture History of American Passenger Ships - 2001
Loving tribute to luxury liners documents more than 100 ships, including the Leviathan, the America, the Independence, the President Polk, and the United States. Detailed captions provide tonnage, speed, size, and passenger load information.

Picture History of the Cunard Line 1840 - 1990
The Picture History of the Cunard Line 1840 - 1990 has over 180 photographs and illustrations showing the liners on the high seas and in port and depicting handsome staterooms, lounges, interior decor, and carefree life aboard ship.

Picture History of the SS United States
A comprehensive pictorial record of the SS United States that will appeal to maritime historians, this celebration of an American champion and centerpiece of national pride will also captivate ship lovers and anyone thrilled by sea travel.

Sailing Seven Seas: History of the Canadian Pacific Line
With a witty and informative style, author Peter Pigott evokes-not only the nostalgic heyday of ocean travel but reveals a slice of almost-forgotten Canadiana.

THE ATLANTIC LINERS will be cherished by all the millions of Americans who love the sea. Frederick Emmons sketches the histories of every ocean liner that sailed between the United States and Europe between 1925 and 1970.

US Steamships: A Picture Postcard History
Over many years, Postcards were collected for the message, history, and the scene. As a result of these collecting interests, we have a valuable source of information relating to many subjects, including steamships, from a historical, technical, and artistic perspective. The Postcards in this book provide a chronological history of U.S. Steamships.
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Anchor Line Fleet List. SS California Passenger List, 19 August 1926. GGA Image ID # 1e39b23764
Anchor Line Fleet Including Tenders, Global Services, and Table of Distances from Glasgow to New York. SS California Passenger List, 14 September 1929. GGA Image ID # 1e39b2c890
Anchor Line Fleet List Including Tenders, Global Services, and Partial Passenger Information. SS California Passenger List, 22 July 1938. GGA Image ID # 1e39ce4aa9
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Sailing Schedule, Liverpool-Londonderry-Québec-Montréal, from 8 July 1897 to 17 October 1897. Ships Included the California, Carthaginian, Laurentian, Numidian, and Parisian. RMS Numidian Saloon Passenger List, 17 July 1897. GGA Image ID # 20e984a362
The Saloon and Staterooms are in the central part where the least motion is felt. Electricity is used for lighting the ship throughout, the lights being at the command of the passengers at any hour of the night. Music rooms, the smoking room on the promenade deck, and the saloons and staterooms are heated by steam.
* Steamers marked thus are mail steamers and stop at Rimouski and Moville to receive and land Mail and Passengers. Other steamers proceed from Quebec to Liverpool directly.
All steamers sail from Montreal at daylight.
Passengers go on board the previous evening between 8 and 11 o'clock.
The Laurentian carries first-cabin passengers only, and the Carthaginian carries second-cabin passengers only on the Eastbound trip.
Rates of Passage will be supplied on the application.
Sailing Schedule, Liverpool-Montreal-Quebec, from 12 August 1897 to 31 October 1897. Ships Included the California, Carthaginian, Laurentian, Numidian, and Parisian. GGA Image ID # 20eac97e01
* Steamers marked thus are Mail Steamers and stop at Rimouski and Moville to receive and land Mail and Passengers. Other Steamers proceed from Quebec to Liverpool directly.
All Steamers sail from Montreal at daylight.
Passengers go on board the previous evening, between 8 and 11 o'clock
Laurentian carries Cabin Passetigers only. Carthaginian brings Second Cabin Passengers only on Eastbound trips.
The voyage to and from Great Britain via the St. Lawrence grows in popularity every season. By it, passengers have the advantage of three days sailing on the calm waters of the River and Gulf: the scenery is unsurpassed for beauty and interest, and a visit to the old historic city of Quebec may also be included.
The distance from the Straits of Belle Isle to Liverpool is 1200 miles shorter than from New York; The Ocean voyage is therefore reduced to five days.
The Allan Une enjoys a high reputation, gained by a long experience. for the discipline maintained on board its vessels. This, together with care and cleanliness in every department, adds much to the comfort of passengers.
Saloons and staterooms are amidships where the least motion is felt. Electric lights and electric bells are in every apartment and stateroom. Music rooms and smoking rooms are on the promenade deck, extending two-thirds of the vessel's length.
Rates of passage vary from $52.50 to 80.00. All have the same privileges as saloons. All the passenger Steamers of the Line are fitted with "Bilge Keels," which contribute significantly to the passengers' comfort by diminishing rolling.
For further information, apply to any Authorized Agent or H. & A. ALLAN. Montreal.
Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-New York, from 12 October 1907 to 28 December 1907. Eastbound Voyages Call at Moville to Land Passengers. Ships Include the Astoria, Caledonia, California, Columbia, and Furnessia. SS California Passenger List, 12 October 1907. GGA Image ID # 1e39558c53
Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-New York, from 17 August 1912 to 14 December 1912. Ships included the Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Columbia. SS Columbia Passenger List, 17 August 1912. GGA Image ID # 1e3b7feb7b
Eastbound Sailing Schedule from the US and Canadian Ports to European Ports, from 18 June 1924 to 3 September 1924. Ships Included the Albania, Andania, Antonia, Aquitania, Assyria, Athenia, Ausonia, Berengaria, California, Cameronia, Carmania, Caronia, Cassandra, Columbia, Franconia, Laconia, Lancastria, Mauretania, Samaria, Saturnia, Saxonia, Scythia, and Tuscania. RMS Aquitania Second Class Passenger List, 18 June 1924. GGA Image ID # 20aea275f3
Westbound Sailing Schedule, from European Ports to Canadian and US Ports, from 19 June 1924 to 26 August 1924. Ships Included the Albania, Andania, Antonia, Aquitania, Assyria, Athenia, Ausonia, Berengaria, California, Cameronia, Carmania, Caronia, Cassandra, Columbia, Franconia, Laconia, Lancastria, Mauretania, Samaria, Saturnia, Saxonia, Scythia, and Tuscania. RMS Aquitania Second Class Passenger List, 18 June 1924. GGA Image ID # 20aeac371f
Sailing Schedule, Liverpool-Queenstown (Cobh)-New York or Boston, from 3 May 1924 to 8 November 1924. Ships Included the California, Carmania, Franconia, Laconia, Lancastria, Samaria, and Scythia. RMS Berengaria Passenger List, 24 May 1924. GGA Image ID # 20ab23f68e
Sailing Schedule, Glasgow-New York, from 25 August 1930 to 13 February 1931. Ships Included the Andania, Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Transylvania. SS California Passenger List, 20 August 1930. GGA Image ID # 1e39b3e994
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Anchor Line Time on Shipboard, 1930. Time on Board Is Marked by the Ship's Bell Being Sounded at the Hour and Half Hour Throughout the Entire Day. SS California Passenger List, 20 August 1930. GGA Image ID # 15941603a0
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Information for Passengers - 17 May 1879
Notice: To obviate the risk of Collision, lessen the dangers of Navigation, and ensure finer weather, the owners of the "Anchor" Line have adopted Lieutenant Maury's System of separate Steam Lane Routes for the Outward and Homeward Passages of their Atlantic Steamers, whereby the most Southerly Route practicable will be regularly maintained throughout all seasons of the year.
Berths are not considered Reserved unless Deposit is paid or Return Ticket exchanged, which should be done as early as possible.
Source: SS California Passenger List - 17 May 1879
Information for Passengers - 12 October 1907
SECOND CLASS
Meals will be served in the Second Class Dining Saloon at the following times:
- Breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m.
- Dinner at 1 p.m.
- Tea at 6 p.m.
- Supper, if required, will be served before 10 o’clock.
The Bar will be closed at 11 p.m. and the Smoke Room at 11-30 p.m.
The Chief Steward has the arrangement of the seats at table.
Forms, Stamps, etc.: Music Room Steward is provided with Telegraph Forms, Stamps, etc.
Telegrams and Letters for despatch to be handed to this Official (fully prepaid) one hour before leaving Moville. This Official will also provide Railway Time Tables for use of Passengers.
Divine Service may be held (once) on Sunday.
Dogs: Passengers are notified that dogs cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a license has been previously procured from the Board of Agriculture, London. Forms of license can only be obtained by direct application to the Department before the dog is taken on board. Dogs may be taken on certain dates and by special agreement only.
Baggage: All enquiries regarding baggage should be made to the Second Cabin Steward; and Trunks, Wraps, etc., will be received, stored and shipped by the Company for the return voyage. The Second Cabin Steward will provide Passengers with Initial Labels for Boxes, so as to facilitate examination of baggage on landing.
Steamer Chairs may be hired from the Deck Steward at a cost of $1.00 for the voyage. Printed receipt to be obtained by Passengers for this hire.
Valuables: The Company is not responsible for the loss of money or valuables The Purser will be glad to place such in his safe, if passengers so desire. As no charge is made for carriage, the Company cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage, however arising, but passengers can protect themselves by Insurance.
Receipts: Passengers should obtain a receipt on the Company’s form for any additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board.
Passengers joining Steamers for New York at Londonderry, must be at our Office there not later than 4 o’clock Afternoon on day Steamers leave Glasgow.
Customs: Tobacco, cigars, etc., wines, spirits and perfumery are liable to duty on being brought into the United Kingdom, and the smallest quantities should be declared to the Customs authorities when required. Reprints of copyright books and music will be confiscated.
Source: SS California Passenger List - 12 October 1907
Information for Passengers - 14 September 1929
Additional Passage Money or Freight paid on board —Passengers should obtain a receipt on the Company's form for such disbursements.
Baggage.—Enquiries regarding baggage on board ship should be addressed to the Baggage-Master.
To facilitate examination and identification of baggage on landing, all packages should have an official label affixed; these labels are supplied on board on application.
Trunks, etc., will be stored and re-shipped by the Company if desired (see Storage).
Baggage Insurance.—Passengers are recommended to insure their baggage as, in the event of loss or damage, the Company cannot accept liability beyond the limit specified on the Steamer Contract Tickets. Rates and particulars on application.
Bar.—The Bars will not be open later than midnight, but it is within the discretion of the Commander to close them during the voyage at any time should he consider this course desirable.
Barber's Shop.--There is a well-appointed Barber's Shop on board. Ladies will be attended to by appointment.
Clothes Pressing.—Application should be made to the Barber, from whom rates and other particulars can be obtained.
Berthing of Passengers.—No changes can be made except on application to the Purser.
Cables and Telegrams for despatch by ordinary land wire should be handed in at the Wireless Telegraph Office. The time of acceptance for cables and telegrams to be sent by ordinary land wire will be intimated on the notice boards.
Wireless, cable and telegraph forms may be obtained from the Wireless office.
Complaints of incivility, carelessness or inattention on the part of any of the ship's staff should be immediately reported to the Purser or Chief Steward, and failing satisfaction to the Captain.
The Daily Mail Atlantic Edition giving the latest news by wireless and the closing prices on the London and New York Stock Exchanges, is published on board. The paper will be delivered each morning to the passenger's stateroom if an order is given to the Bedroom Steward.
Deck Chairs and Rugs may be hired at a cost of 6/3 (or $1.50) each, on application to the Deck Steward. At the end of each voyage the rugs which have been in use are sent to the store and thoroughly cleaned before being re-issued.
Divine Service may be held (weather permitting) once every Sunday forenoon, and for those who so desire facilities are provided for the celebration of Mass.
Dogs and Cats cannot be landed in Great Britain unless a licence has been procured from the Board of Agriculture, London. Forms of Licence can only be obtained by direct application to the Department before the dog or cat is taken on board.
Dogs and Cats can only be carried by special arrangement being made with the Company prior to embarkation. Whilst on board they are not permitted in any of the public rooms or staterooms.
Drafts are issued, free of charge, payable in currency at any of the offices of the Company in the United States and Canada, and, similarly, drafts are issued in the United States and Canada payable at any of the Company's offices in the United Kingdom in sterling or at the Company's offices in Europe in the currency of the country on which they are drawn.
Information.—If Passengers are in doubt on any point appertaining to their ocean voyage, or railroad journey, they are advised to consult the Purser.
Kiosk.—Passengers can obtain confectionery, fruit, toys, souvenirs, novels, postage stamps, etc., in the Kiosk.
Landing Cards.—Passengers must obtain from the Purser a U.S. landing card. The hours at which these cards are obtainable will be posted on notice board. It should be noted that before leaving the vessel the holder must present this landing card to a U.S. Immigrant Inspector for endorsement.
Library.—Library books may be obtained on application to the Librarian. The books are issued free of charge.
Lifebelts must not be removed from staterooms, except in cases of extreme danger and necessity.
Meals.—
With One Sitting :-
- Breakfast, 8:00 am to 10:00 am;
- Luncheon, 1:00 pm;
- Dinner, 7:00 pm
When two sittings are necessary, meals will be served as follows :-
- Breakfast, 8:00 am to 10:00 am;
- Lunch, First sitting, 12:30 pm; Second sitting, 1:30 pm
- Dinner, First sitting, 6:15 pm; Second sitting, 7:30 pm
Passengers may reserve seats at table for the voyage on application to the Chief Steward.
Meals cannot be served in cabins or on deck unless with the Surgeon's permission.
Children's Meals—Breakfast, 9:00 am; Dinner, noon; Tea, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Ports.—Passengers are requested not to open the ports. The Stewards will do this whenever practicable.
Postage Stamps are on sale at Purser's Bureau and Kiosks. A notice will be displayed stating the latest time for posting mail matter on board.
British 'stamps must be used for correspondence posted on the High Seas.
Rates :—Letters to United Kingdom and United States of America, lid. for the first ounce and id. for each additional ounce. Postcards, lid. each.
Return Bookings.—The Purser and his staff will at all times be pleased to assist Passengers to arrange their return passages, or to supply them with the name and address of the agent in the town to which they are proceeding.
Smoking.—Cigarette smokers are requested to be careful when smoking on deck to see that cigarettes are extinguished before being thrown away. Children are not allowed in the Smoking Room.
Storage.—The Company will undertake to store deck chairs and steamer trunks belonging to Passengers at owner's risk until they are required when returning. Chairs and trunks should have owner's name painted on them, and they will not be re-shipped without instructions being sent to Baggage Master, Anchor Line, Yorkhill Quay, Glasgow. A description of the articles should be given, also name of steamer from which they were landed and date. No shawls, rugs, etc., to be attached to chairs. No charge for storage is made if the owners return by the Company's vessels. If chairs or trunks are forwarded by rail this is done at owner's risk and expense.
Table-Seating.—The Chief Steward has the arrangement of table-seating.
The Surgeon is authorized to make customary charges for his service, subject to the approval of the Commander, to First Class, Cabin, Second Class and Tourist Third Cabin Passengers.
Nurses—Trained and qualified hospital nurses are carried. Their services, under the direction of the Surgeon, are at the Passengers' disposal.
Through Bookings to Gibraltar, Marseilles, Egypt, and India.—The Anchor Line steamers engaged in this service have excellent saloon accommodation. Full particulars as to fares, etc., on applicatior.
Customs.—The following is a list of the principal articles which are subject to duty on being brought into the United Kingdom, and the smallest quantities should be declared to the Customs Authorities :Tobacco, Cigars, Cigarettes, Wines, Liqueurs, Spirits, Perfumery, Sugar and Goods containing Sugar, Silk and Artificial Silk, Lace and Embroidery, Musical Instruments, Gramophones and Gramophone Records, Clocks, Watches, Cameras, Field and Opera Glasses, Films, Wireless Sets and accessories, etc. Reprints of Copyright Books and Music are subject to confiscation.
Valuables.—Money or valuables should not be exposed in staterooms. The Company will not be responsible for articles lost or stolen. Valuables may be deposited in ship's safe, under care of the Purser, free of charge.
Passengers are warned that they should not on any account part with money or valuables to any persons representing themselves as members of the ship's staff.
Wardrobe Trunks.—The attention of Passengers is called to the fact that the steamer has a Baggage Room where trunks may be stored during the voyage. It is not always possible to have large wardrobe trunks placed in an accessible position in passenger staterooms.
Wireless Letters
A Wireless Letter consists of a message transmitted to a ship traveling in the opposite direction and posted on her arrival at destination by Registered Post." These messages are only charged for at the rate of 6s. for the first twenty words with 2d. per additional word to a maximum of 100 words.
At certain times during the day a wireless operator is in attendance in the passenger quarters for the purpose of giving information and receiving messages for transmission. Notices giving time and place are displayed throughout the ship. At all times, however, Passengers may conduct their business at the Wireless Office if they prefer to do so.
Source: SS California Passenger List - 14 September 1929
Information for Passengers - 24 May 1930
THE BAR will be closed at 11:00 pm
DIVINE SERVICE may be held In the Saloon (weather permitting) once every Sunday between 11 and 12. For those who so desire facilities are provided for the celebration of Mass.
PORT HOLES—Passengers are requested not to open the port holes. The Stewards will do this whenever practicable.
RAILWAY TIME-TABLES—Railway and steamer time-tables may be consulted on application to the Librarian.
DISEMBARKATION ARRANGEMENTS AT LONDONDERRY— Passengers landing at Londonderry disembark by tender off Moville, whence they are taken to Londonderry—a distance of about 17 miles—the journey, by tender, taking about 1 and 1/4 hours.
No passengers land at Moville; baggage is inspected at Londonderry. Moville Is in the Irish Free State whereas Londonderry is in Northern Ireland.
The distance, by rail, from Londonderry to Belfast is 100 miles, and from Londonderry to Dublin 163 miles.
DISEMBARKATION AT GLASGOW—Passengers disembark either by tender at Greenock—which is on the River Clyde about 20 miles from Glasgow—or go up the river and disembark at Yorkhill pier, which is within easy reach of the principal railroad stations in Glasgow.
Passengers disembark at one or the other of the places mentioned according to the state of the tide, also the time of arrival of the steamer off Greenock.
When passengers disembark at Greenock and customs formalities have been gone through, they are conveyed, free of charge, to Glasgow, either by a special or regular train; if the number of passengers does not warrant a special train, coaches are attached to a regular train for the convenience of Anchor Line Passengers.
Source: SS California Passenger List - 24 May 1930
Information for Passengers - 20 August 1930
Barber’s Shop.—There is a well-appointed Barber’s Shop on board. Ladies will be attended to by appointment.
Redirection of Mail.-Passengers who expect letters or parcels to be delivered to the ship after they have dis-embarked should leave their full names and addresses at the Bureau in order that their mail may be forwarded to them.
Source: SS California Passenger List - 20 August 1930
Information for Passengers - 23 February 1931
Barber Shop and Beauty Parlor—There is a well equipped barber shop and beauty parlor on "C" deck open for service to all members of the cruise.
Baths—Cruise members should arrange with bedroom Steward or Stewardess for the time at which they desire their bath.
Customs Regulations—Each adult passenger may bring back into the United States, free of duty, $100 worth of articles purchased in Havana and Nassau for their personal use. In addition each adult passenger may bring in 50 cigars or 300 cigarettes or 3 pounds of tobacco. Passengers desirous of purchasing articles in excess of $100 may do so by paying duty for the amount purchased in excess of $100 upon arrival in New York.
Deck Chairs and Steamer Rugs—May be secured upon application to the Deck Steward and are available to cruise members for $1.50 for the chair and $1.00 for the rug, for the entire cruise.
Doctor and Nurse—Will be aboard ship. The Doctor is authorized to make customary charges for his service to Passengers subject to the approval of the Commander.
Fancy Dress Ball—Will be held Thursday, February 26th, at 9.30 P. M. In order to make this event a successful and enjoyable one, we urgently request every passenger to secure some kind of costume. Special music will be played by the Rudy Vallee Vagabonds. It's bound to be lots of fun. Many beautiful loving cups will be awarded. Don't miss the grand march.
Hot Water—Stewards will gladly supply hot water to Passengers upon request.
Important Events—Schedule of special events will be posted daily on the bulletin board or announced by cruise staff. Passengers should consult the bulletin board daily and are invited to participate in all of the events scheduled.
Library—Books will be loaned to members of this cruise on application to the librarian.
Personal Funds and Valuables—May be left in care of the Purser's office. The company is not responsible for thefts and makes no charge for valuables left at the purser's office. No personal checks will be cashed.
Radio Communication—The SS "California" is in constant radic communication with New York throughout the voyage. Messages may be sent at regular tariff rates.
Religious Services—Passengers are requested to consult bulletin board for the hour at which religious services will be held aboard ship.
Seats in Dining Saloon—May be secured by making application to the Second Steward. Meals are served in the Forward and Main Dining Saloons at the following hours:
Breakfast
- First Sitting 8:00— 9:00
- Second Sitting 9:00-10:00
Luncheon
- First Sitting 12:00-1:00
- Second Sitting 1:00-2:00
Dinner
- First Sitting 6:00-7:00
- Second Sitting 7:15-8:15
Special Hours will be bulletined for the "Get-together" and Farewell Dinners.
Meals in port will be maintained at the regular hours listed above unless otherwise bulletined.
Swimming Pools—The S. S. "California" is equipped with an open air swimming pool for the use of cruise members.
Masquerade Costumes
May be rented from the Brooks Costume Company who have placed a wide selection of costumes aboard the "California" for the greater convenience of cruise Passengers.
Rentals as low as $2.00 per costume.
Source: SS California Passenger List - 23 February 1931
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Two Easter Cruises to Bermuda in April 1931. SS California Passenger List, 23 February 1931. GGA Image ID # 1e39fcfadc
These Two Famous Cunard-Anchor Ships (SS Transylvania and the SS Cameronia) Await You.
At five minutes after midnight in the earliest hour Good Friday, April 3rd, with all the thrill and charm of a modern night time sailing, these two great ships will back out in North River and turn toward Bermuda in the most delightful of surroundings.
As the three siren blasts meaning "going astern" send their quivers of happy anticipation all through you, nine fairyland days and nights begin their story of charm.
Every moment has boon planned with a changing menu of delightful, never to be forgotten, happiness.
Easter in Bermuda — think of it — as another wonderful time and place to be on this day of joy. Find out for yourself what is the real beauty of the Bermuda Lily at its home.
The enormous and grateful response to the wonderful trips of the National Tours, permit us to offer you our surprisingly low rates for these glorious voyages.
National Tours not only undertake to carry you to Bermuda and bring you back, but they go much farther in anticipating your slightest wish.
It is the unfailing creed of the National Tours Organization that everyone who trusts them to direct their vacation trips must be rewarded in the personal service that assures not only an interesting trip, but the result of utter happiness.
In these two Bermuda sailings the same unceasing care to give you the utmost your days may bring, will be continued in the same way that has made the National Tours a new and more delightful type of travel.
Now you are going on this GULF STREAM CRUISE and will enjoy Bermuda. Please show this book to your friends who may want a similar trip at EASTER TIME.
Our reservations go quickly. We will be glad, of course, to have you go again with us. Be sure to tell your friends who may want to go at Easter Time to get in touch with us quickly so they can have the type of stateroom they desire.
Remember our guests will be back in New York rested and happy, Sunday, April 12th.
The National Tours
RALPH DELLEVIE. President
Anchor Line Second Cabin Passage Rates In Effect 1913. Ships Included the Caledonia, California, Cameronia, and Columbia. Second Cabin Accommodations Brochure, 1913. GGA Image ID # 1156df9815
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Second Cabin Steamships of the Anchor Line. Ships Included the Caledonia, California, Columbia, and Furnessia. SS Furnessia Passenger List, 18 June 1910. GGA Image ID # 1f366c5d84
Second Cabin Twin-Screw Steamships "Columbia," "Caledonia," and "California" are the newest of the Anchor Line fleet and the fastest sailing between New York, Glasgow, and Londonderry.
They are large, comfortable seaboats, fitted with all the conveniences and affording all the comforts of a first-class City hotel.
Each vessel is divided into water-tight compartments and has six decks, named respectively the 'tween deck, main deck, upper deck, bridge deck, promenade deck, and the boat deck, for passenger accommodations.
The average passage is seven and one-half days—leaving New York on Saturday at noon, they usually arrive at Moville (Londonderry) the following Saturday evening and at Glasgow on Sunday morning.
Accommodations are nearly amidships, with Staterooms for two and four persons on the main decks, who will find that their comfort and convenience in every respect have been excellently catered to.
The Dining Saloons are on the upper decks, and the Ladies' Cabins or Libraries are directly above the Saloon. There are books for the academic, a piano for the musical, and comfortable lounges and armchairs.
The promenade decks have comfortable shelters and are lighted by electricity. The spacious and well-appointed Smoking Rooms have everything a smoker could desire.
S. S. Furnessia. is a one-class cabin only. The entire accommodation, consisting of the Promenade Deck, Dining Room, Music Room, Library, Smoking Room, and all Staterooms on the main and upper decks, are Exclusively for the Use of Second-Cabin Passengers.
These Steamships are Fitted with Marconi Wireless Telegraph.
Second Cabin Twin-Screw Steamships "Columbia," "Caledonia," and "California," in Anchor Line SS Furnessia Passenger List, 18 June 1910.
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